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Raikkonen cautious about Monza chances

Kimi Raikkonen's title hopes took a hit when he failed to finish a race for Lotus for the first time at Spa © Getty Images

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Kimi Raikkonen is cautious about his chances of success at Monza after admitting Lotus struggles with low downforce circuits.

While Lotus has been working on a drag reduction device, the decision not to run it at Spa saw the team limited to a best finish of eighth place with Romain Grosjean, while Raikkonen retired. Monza's low downforce configuration means the device would deliver little benefit in Italy and Raikkonen admits he is unsure how competitive Lotus will be.

"It's a unique circuit with the high speeds achieved there and everyone will be running the lowest level of downforce we see all year," Raikkonen said. "Low downforce has not always been the best for our car, but the factory has been working hard to get more speed and stability for us with some changes to the car. Let's wait and see how the car goes on Friday morning and then we'll have a better idea of what can be achieved."

However, Raikkonen did add that some other characteristics at Monza should play in to the E21's hands having finished fifth there last season.

"Monza always gives a great challenge. It's so different compared with the more modern circuits as the layout means the car needs to be set up differently. To go fast at Monza you need a car that is good aerodynamically, stable over the kerbs, and has a strong engine as we are using full throttle for most of the lap. I think we should be pretty good in those areas, but we won't know exactly how good until we get out on track."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.